Next-gen Royal Enfield Classic spied up close for the first time

The next-gen Royal Enfield Classic has made yet another spy image appearance. The latest spy shots capture the BS-VI compliant, new generation model in detail.

The Royal Enfield Classic range will retain most of the styling cues from the current generation.

For starters, the next-gen Royal Enfield Classic range will continue to feature the retro styling from the current models. Like the old model, it features a round headlight with a chrome mask. Surprisingly, the motorcycle does not use an LED light – a feature that is becoming more common with new launches. The front blinkers are installed on the front fork covers.

The cockpit continues to feature a semi-digital instrument console from the current range. It could be that Royal Enfield is using components from the current generation model to mask the new features. On the other hand, it is possible that the company retains most of the hardware from the current range to keep the prices rise limited with the BS-VI upgrade.

The tank, split seats and the side panels, too, retain the styling from the current generation model, although the graphics could be new. The rider seat mounts have been changed and the springs under the saddle have been removed. The rear section would receive an overhaul, and while the tail light and the blinkers retain the spherical shape, the mounts are different on the next-gen model. The tail lamp will receive a chrome surround. The next-gen Classic range will share the company’s new J architecture with the Bullet and the Thunderbird range.

Major changes are seen on the engine as Royal Enfield has repositioned the drive chain from the right side of the bike to the left. It’s difficult to assert whether Royal Enfield will likely make changes to the displacement, although we expect to see the same 350 and 500 cc format in the BS-VI iteration. The Classic range will continue to use air-cooling moving to its next generation. The performance numbers, too, aren’t likely to change much. Check out the engine specifications of the current Classic range in the table below:

Model

Classic 350

Classic 500

Displacement

346 cc

499 cc

Engine

Single cylinder, air-cooled, twin-spark with a carburettor

Single cylinder, twin-spark, air-cooled with fuel injection

Max Power @ RPM

19.8 bhp at 5,250 rpm

27.2 bhp at 5,250 rpm

Max Torque @ RPM

28 Nm at 4,000 rpm

41.3 Nm at 4,000 rpm

Do note that all the BS-VI two-wheelers will get fuel injection technology and thus the Classic 350 will drop the carburettor system moving to its next generation.

Royal Enfield will likely make changes to the displacement, although we expect to see the same 350 and 500 cc format in the BS-VI iteration.

Braking hardware will be carried forward from the current generation bikes, and the stopping power will come from disc brakes governed by dual-channel ABS as standard. The new generation Classic range will be pricier. For reference, the current Classic 350 ABS and Classic 500 ABS retail at INR 1.53 lakh* and INR 2.01 lakh* respectively.